Sit back and imagine Dale Earnhardt driving the Texaco Havoline 28 car, Jamie McMurray in the Team Penske 2 car, or Jeff Gordon in the 46 car. What if I told you these rides almost became a reality? John Rizzo breaks down some of the most interesting NASCAR rides that ALMOST happened, NASCAR’s Lost Rides.

• Dale Earnhardt to the #28 Car: With Ernie Irvan injured and missing the majority of the 1995 season, a potential substitute driver was Dale Earnhardt. However, he had two stipulations that Robert Yates did not budge on. However, this was not the last time a potential Robert Yates number was involved with the Earnhardt family.
• Greg Biffle to the #20 Car: Joe Gibbs inquired Biffle about replacing Tony Stewart in the #20 car. However, Biffle obviously declined, which opened the door for another Roush driver.
• Jamie McMurray to the #2 Car: Jamie McMurray was dead set on heading to Roush for the #26 car for 2007, but, Kurt Busch leaving opened up a seat at Team Penske, which McMurray was offered. This set off one of the most complicated and confusing moves in NASCAR Silly Season.
• Mark Martin to the #11 Car: While struggling in the Jack Roush #6 car, Mark Martin was interested in Junior Johnson’s #11 car, one of the most iconic teams of all time. However, a struggling #11 team pushed Martin away.
• Kyle Larson to the #14 Car: Tony Stewart had been trying for years to bring in Kyle Larson. What could have happened if he joined in 2016?
• Jeff Gordon to the #46 Car: Yes, Jeff Gordon’s iconic #24 car almost didn’t happen. It failed because of a…(Checks notes)…a movie licensing issue?

Imagine a world where all of those things happened. NASCAR history would look much different than it does today. Be sure to stay tuned for more awesome Daily Downforce content on our YouTube page.

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